Rural Development Network of the Republic of Macedonia, (Macedonia)

National LEADER network

Description (brief history)

The union of civil associations “Rural Development Network of The Republic of Macedonia – “RDN of RM” was established in February 2010 in Skopje, as a movement organized at national level to provide a voice for rural communities in the Republic of Macedonia. The establishment of the Rural Development Network of RM (RDN of RM) is based on the need for development of the rural areas in Republic of Macedonia. The RDN of RM started this process as a spin - off organization through the Macedonian Agriculture Advisory Support Programme (MAASP) funded by the Swedish international Development Agency – Sida. The Headquarters of the RDN of RM are located in Skopje. At local level the RDN of RM has 4 regional offices in: Bitola (Southwest), Pehcevo (East), Gevgelija(Southeast) and Gostivar (West). Starting from 2007, RDN of RM acting as an informal network supported the formation of 16 municipally based multi-stakeholder rural development groups that encouraged local government to consider rural development in the scope of their municipal activities. During this process LEADER approach was utilized to provide examples of what could be achieved through the mobilization of different stakeholders. Young, relatively well- educated residents of rural municipalities who were already active in the grassroots NGO and CBO sector became particularly engaged. Synergies have arisen through a combination of awareness rising at all levels, soft skills knowledge transfer, small pilot initiatives at local levels, and preparation of Rural Development sub - strategies adopted by all 16 municipal councils. With this process local ownership of rural development has grown exponentially; municipalities have started to allocate funds from their budgets for implementation of activities within their sub-strategies for rural development. In 2010 after the formal registration, the RDN of RM was recognized by MAFWE as an initiator of this local momentum and as a main stakeholder who will have leading role in the design and promotion of the LEADER approach as future measure within the European Instrument for Pre Accession for Rural Development (IPARD) in Republic of Macedonia.

Activities

The work of the RDN of RM is focused on six priority areas. These priority areas were identified and determined on the basis of situation analyses, the ideas advanced by Network members and other relevant stakeholders. The priority areas of action are the following: LEADER activities in creation of links at local level; Women Economic Empowerment in rural areas; Agriculture and forestry; Cultural heritage as tool for development of rural areas; Sustainable management of the environment; and diversification of economic activities in rural areas

Within the priority areas the following activities has being performed;

  • Information actions for rural population and other organisations and administrations in rural areas on the rural development policies measures (periodicals, promotional materials, homepage, seminars, meeting, forum, contact points, etc.).
  • Promoting the cooperation of rural development operators at the cross-regional and international level (established and accessible base of rural organisations and administrations, meetings and seminars), including training, information and support activities to cooperation projects between stakeholder groups.
  • Data gathering and delivery on the development of rural areas and the implementation of the rural policies and measures

Aims & Objectives

The aim of RDN of RM is to demonstrate a structured approach in mobilizing rural communities to become stronger agents of local developments and participate in rural policy at local, regional, national and EU level. This includes establishment of an effective cooperation and mutual help among individuals and organizations from the rural areas, in order to en- sure effective representation of the needs, the voice and interests of the rural population and provision of flow of information between government and non-government bodies on all levels.

Basic Principles

The RDN is an apolitical and multi ethnic association that works on a continuous trust building process among all stakeholders in order to be recognized by the people in the rural areas. Hence the key principles are:

  • Bottom – up approach: where local actors participate in decision-making about the strategy and in the selection of the priorities to be pursued in their local area (local people are not the target in RD, they are real actors in development);
  • Transparency: enhance certainty in network and possible misuse and misinformation;
  • Democracy : encourage the stakeholders from all ethnic groups to take an active role in networking;
  • Gender equity: ensuring equal participation of men and women in rural development, through following the principles of transparency and participative democracy;
  • Serving a common interest: can ensure longevity of the network, further development and sustainability in the long run;
  • Solidarity: one of the elements that can ensure even a small group can be encouraged to take a part in the networking;
  • The area-based approach: rural areas are similar, yet each has its own specifics and profile. Those differences should be taken into account in development planning, because they are the foundations for the quality development of each area;
  • Networking and coordination: connecting, acting together in development processes, exchanging knowledge and experience are of key importance in today’s modern Europe; and
  • Local financing of projects: it is of utmost importance for the activities on the local level to contribute financing from local budgets.

Mission

Improvement of the livelihood in the rural areas of the Republic of Macedonia through building the capacities of the rural society, by networking

Vision

RDN of RM works to promote the potential capacities, skills and knowledge of rural people, to enable them to express their aims, implement and manage development activities and programmes in order to ensure productive employment, and improvement in the quality of life.

Objectives of RDN of RM

  1. Establishment of a suitable collection, analysis and promotional procedure for information relating to MK rural development activities and opportunities for different stakeholders groups;
  2. Creation of detailed information delivery procedures to inform individuals and grassroots groups on availability of rural development opportunities through national, regional and international agencies;
  3. Strengthening of opportunities for training, mentoring and coaching plus knowledge/skills sharing opportunities between RDN memberships;
  4. Promotion of process of regional cooperation between RDN memberships;
  5. Establishment of capacities and structures to take advantage of innovative approaches, new knowledge and best practices from EU member states;
  6. Improvement in the capacity and structure for RD stakeholders (members and partners)
  7. Construction of a lobbying and advocacy service for member organizations;
  8. Strengthening of available structures to provide feedback to government on situation within rural sector.